My DH would say anything musical. They make inexpensive musical instruments and kids that age love them. Tamborines, xylophones, drums, guitars, flute, keyboard....I don't know what all else they make. I just know kids love to make noise. And, if the child is not in your house, all the better!! I agree with books, too, but you never know what books the child already has unless you ask. That is a good idea, too, though.